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The Ultimate Thanksgiving Dessert Countdown

Master Your Thanksgiving Baking: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Timeline for Stress-Free Pies, Rolls & Desserts

Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday, a time for gathering with loved ones, reflecting on gratitude, and, of course, indulging in a spectacular feast. While the turkey often takes center stage, it’s the array of homemade baked goods—from flaky pies to warm, fluffy rolls—that truly complete the meal. However, orchestrating such a culinary production can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive Thanksgiving baking timeline is designed to alleviate that stress, offering practical tips on planning your baked goods, and precisely how and when to prepare rolls, pies, and other delightful desserts in advance. The earlier you start planning and prepping, the more delectable goodies you can bake without feeling rushed or overwhelmed!

side view of chocolate coconut pie

With Thanksgiving just a few short weeks away, the questions begin: Are you ready? Have you even started thinking about the baking yet? Pulling off a grand feast like Thanksgiving Dinner truly is a significant undertaking. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be a miserable day spent slaving away in the kitchen. By planning ahead and doing some essential prep work in advance, you can enjoy a calm, productive cooking experience and savor the holiday.

When it comes to essential baked goods like dinner rolls, beloved pies, and other festive desserts, remember that a surprising amount can be prepared well in advance and stored perfectly in your fridge or freezer until they’re needed. Whether you’re personally making every dish from scratch, or simply contributing a dish or two to a larger gathering, this guide provides a clear, actionable roadmap for getting everything done on time with the absolute least amount of stress. Keep scrolling, because we’ve included a FREE printable checklist to make your planning even easier!

Table of Contents

  • What baking items to plan for
  • Create a timeline to get it all done
    • 2-4 weeks before
    • 1-2 weeks before
    • 2-3 days before
    • The day before
    • Thanksgiving day
  • Thanksgiving make-ahead storage cheat sheet
  • How to rewarm pies, rolls and more
  • Additional Thanksgiving baking tips

What Baking Items to Plan For Ahead of Time

Beyond the traditional Thanksgiving menu items like a succulent turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and savory stuffing, the baked goods truly shine. Here are the primary categories of “baking recipes” that we’ll focus on today, helping you manage each delicious component efficiently:

  • Pies: The quintessential Thanksgiving dessert! This includes beloved classics like classic pumpkin pie with its silky smooth filling, rich pecan pie, and comforting fruit pies such as apple pie. Don’t forget their essential component: homemade pie crusts.
  • Rolls and Other Bread: Warm, fresh bread is a must for any Thanksgiving table. We’re talking about soft dinner rolls, savory cornbread perfect for soaking up gravy, and light, fluffy biscuits.
  • Desserts Beyond Pie: While pies are king, other desserts offer variety and cater to different preferences. Consider decadent cakes, festive cookies, hearty fruit crisps, and other seasonal delights that can easily be prepared ahead.
  • Miscellaneous Baked Additions: These often-overlooked items can elevate your meal. Think homemade bread as the base for your stuffing, a flavorful streusel topping for a sweet potato casserole, or even indulgent cinnamon rolls to kick off Thanksgiving morning with a sweet start.
cutting, rolling and putting crescent rolls on a sheet pan

Create a Timeline to Get It All Done with Ease

The earlier you start planning, the more you can accomplish in your baking preparations! A well-structured timeline makes it significantly easier to fit everything into your busy schedule, ensuring all your delicious creations are ready with as little stress as possible. So, no matter where you are in the month of November, it’s never too late to get started today. Use this sample timeline as a flexible guide to streamline your efforts. Even better—Click here to get a free printable checklist of the timeline so you can confidently check off tasks as you go!

2-4 Weeks Before Thanksgiving

This is the ideal time to lay the groundwork for a smooth baking experience. Early planning prevents last-minute dashes to the store and ensures you have all necessary components.

  • Plan what you’ll bake: Finalize your menu. Select the exact recipes you intend to make for pies, rolls, and desserts. Bookmark them online, print them out, or write them down. Having your recipes chosen eliminates decision fatigue later on.
  • Stock your pantry with non-perishables: Take inventory of your baking staples. Ensure you have ample amounts of flour, sugar, butter (you can freeze this!), various nuts, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and any specialty flours. This is also a good time to consider any specialty ingredients you might need to order or seek out.
  • Check expiration dates for leavening agents and spices: Yeast and baking powder lose their effectiveness over time, which can lead to flat rolls or dense cakes. Replace them if they’re past their prime. Similarly, baking soda and key spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves diminish in potency. Freshen up these items to ensure your baked goods are as flavorful and perfectly textured as possible.
  • Consider your equipment: Do you have enough pie plates, baking sheets, mixing bowls, and cooling racks? Now’s the time to borrow or purchase anything you might be missing.

1-2 Weeks Before Thanksgiving

This period is perfect for tackling tasks that freeze well, significantly reducing your workload in the days leading up to the holiday.

  • Make homemade pie crusts: This is a game-changer! Pie crust dough freezes beautifully and can be stored for months. Prepare your homemade pie crusts at least 1 week early (or even earlier!). Wrap individual disks tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag, and store them in the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge the day before you plan to bake.
  • Create comprehensive shopping lists: With your menu finalized and pantry stocked, it’s time to list the remaining non-pantry or more perishable ingredients you’ll need closer to the date. Categorize by store section (produce, dairy, frozen, etc.) for efficient shopping. Think cranberries, fresh apples, eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla ice cream, and any fresh herbs.
  • Freeze shaped dinner rolls (unbaked): If you truly want to get ahead on your bread, prepare and shape your dinner rolls, then arrange them on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Freeze until solid (skip the second rise at this stage). Once frozen, transfer them to a heavy-duty ziplock freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to one month. On Thanksgiving morning, simply let them thaw and rise at room temperature before baking.

2-3 Days Before Thanksgiving

The final push before the busy days begin. Focus on preparations that don’t require baking on Thanksgiving Day itself.

  • Thaw pie crusts: If you have homemade or store-bought pie crusts in the freezer, move them to the refrigerator to thaw slowly and evenly. This ensures they are pliable and easy to work with when you’re ready to fill and bake.
  • Par-bake pie shells: For any single-crust no-bake pies (like cream pies or certain fruit tarts) that require a pre-baked butter pie crust or graham cracker crust, bake these shells now. Allow them to cool completely, then store them at room temperature, covered loosely in plastic wrap, until assembly. This step prevents soggy crusts.
  • Prep for other desserts: Many dessert components can be made now. Prepare cookie dough and chill it, bake cake layers and wrap them well, or complete any other foundational prep that can be done ahead. This can include chopping nuts, toasting coconut, or preparing fruit fillings.
  • Bake bread for stuffing: If you’re going the extra mile to make your own bread for stuffing, bake it now. Stale or slightly dried-out bread absorbs more liquid, resulting in a perfectly textured stuffing.

The Day Before Thanksgiving

This is your prime baking day! Get most of your pies, rolls, and other desserts completed, allowing you to relax more on the big day.

  • Prepare rolls and bread dough: Make the dough for your dinner rolls, shape them, and let them complete their final rise in the fridge overnight. This “cold proof” method enhances flavor and allows for fresh-baked rolls without an early start on Thanksgiving morning. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can bake them the night before and rewarm them. If making biscuits, prepare the dough, cut into shapes, and freeze them overnight on a sheet pan; they’ll bake perfectly from frozen.
  • Bake all pies and assemble no-bake pies: This is the main event! Bake all your fruit, pumpkin, and pecan pies. Allow them to cool completely before chilling or storing. Assemble any no-baked pies that require chilling, such as cream pies or chocolate pies, and place them in the refrigerator to set.
  • Make other desserts: Bake cookies, assemble layered cakes, or finish up any other desserts. Cakes can be frosted, and fruit crisps can be prepped (though baking them on Thanksgiving Day for freshness is often preferred).
  • Bake cornbread: Cornbread holds up wonderfully overnight at room temperature, making it an ideal candidate for day-before baking. Wrap it well to maintain moisture.

Thanksgiving Day

Minimize active baking today! Focus on last-minute touches and serving, allowing you to enjoy the company and the fruits of your labor.

  • Bake rolls and biscuits: I highly recommend baking shaped rolls and biscuits first thing Thanksgiving morning. This ensures they are at their absolute best—warm, soft, and fragrant—without taking up too much precious oven time needed for other dishes. Remember, rolls will need to come to room temperature and puff up a bit (their final rise) before baking, while biscuits can go straight from frozen to the oven.
  • Make fresh whipped cream: If you’re serving whipped cream as a topping for any dessert, prepare it in the morning. Store it in a covered container in the fridge, or go ahead and spread it artfully on top of your pies or other desserts just before serving.
  • Rewarm pies if desired: While many pies are delicious at room temperature, some, especially fruit pies and pumpkin pie, benefit from a gentle rewarming. If you want to serve pies warm, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes.
  • Final garnishes: Add any last-minute garnishes to your desserts, like a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or a fresh berry.
pie crust dough and dough pressed into pan

Thanksgiving Make-Ahead Storage Cheat Sheet

Understanding how to properly store your baked goods is key to successful make-ahead Thanksgiving baking. Whether you’re preparing pie crusts, fully baked pies, or dinner rolls ahead of time, here’s everything you need to know about preserving their freshness and how long they will last. Always cover or wrap items tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil if storing in the fridge or at room temperature to prevent them from drying out. For frozen items, double-wrapping or placing them in a thick, airtight freezer bag is essential to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.

  • Pie crust dough: Unbaked pie dough can be stored in the fridge for about 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 1 month.
  • Un-baked pie crust shells: Press your dough into pie dishes, ready to go, and freeze for about 1 month. They can be baked straight from frozen, often with better results.
  • Baked single pie crusts: Par-baked pie shells and fully baked cookie crusts (like graham cracker or Oreo) will keep well at room temperature for about 3 days, or in the freezer for up to a month. Ensure they are completely cooled before wrapping.
  • Unbaked fruit pies: Assemble your fruit pies, then freeze them for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 20-30 minutes to the baking time. Assembled fruit pies should be baked or frozen right away; do not store raw fruit pies in the fridge as the crust can get soggy.
  • Baked fruit pies: Once baked, fruit pies will keep at room temperature for 1-2 days, in the fridge for 3-5 days, and can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw frozen pies overnight at room temperature.
  • Baked custard pies (e.g., pumpkin pie): Pies containing eggs and dairy, like pumpkin pie, require refrigeration. They will keep well in the fridge for 3-5 days. These types of pies generally do not freeze well, as the texture can become watery and separated upon thawing.
  • Baked pecan pie or chess/sugar pies: These dense, sugary pies store exceptionally well. They can be kept at room temperature for 3-5 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
  • Cream pies: Due to their delicate nature and dairy-based fillings, cream pies must always be stored in the fridge and will keep for 3-5 days. Like custard pies, they do not freeze well and should be enjoyed fresh.
  • Bulk yeast-risen dough: For many bread recipes, the dough can undergo its first rise (or bulk fermentation) slowly in the fridge for about 12-24 hours. Before shaping, let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes, then punch down and proceed with shaping.
  • Shaped dinner rolls (unbaked): Unrisen shaped rolls can complete their second rise (or proofing) in the fridge for about 12 hours. Alternatively, freeze them individually on a parchment-lined sheet pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, let them come to room temperature and get slightly puffy before baking.
  • Baked dinner rolls: Fully baked rolls will keep for about 1-2 days at room temperature in an airtight container or can be frozen for about 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before rewarming.
  • Baked cornbread: Store baked cornbread at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, freeze it unsliced for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving or rewarming.
  • Unbaked shaped biscuits: Freeze cut biscuit dough on a parchment-lined sheet pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen for best results.
  • Baked biscuits: Store baked biscuits in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and rewarm for optimal texture.
slice of mile high apple pie with ice cream on a plate

How to Rewarm Pies, Rolls, and More for Optimal Freshness

Rewarming your baked goods is a simple yet effective way to bring back that freshly baked quality. It helps to restore the crispness in pie crusts, softens up bread and rolls, and generally ensures that whatever you’re serving tastes its absolute best, as if it just came out of the oven.

A reliable rule of thumb for most baked goods is to warm them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes. This method works beautifully for baked dinner rolls, other types of bread, most fruit pies, and even pumpkin pie. For best results, try to rewarm items in the same pan they were originally baked in. If you notice any signs of over-browning, particularly on pie crusts or the tops of rolls, simply cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to protect it while the inside warms through. Avoid using a microwave for pies if you want a crisp crust, as it tends to make crusts soggy.

soft white dinner rolls in the baking pan

Additional Thanksgiving Baking Tips for Success

  • Utilize quick-rise yeast: To significantly cut down on prep and proofing time, consider using quick-rise, instant, or rapid-rise yeast. It can typically be substituted 1:1 for active-dry yeast in most recipes, offering a faster rise without compromising flavor.
  • Plan your portion sizes thoughtfully: A good estimate is 1-2 dinner rolls per person. However, if your family loves leftover turkey sandwiches (and who doesn’t?), consider baking a few extra! For pies, one standard 9-inch pie will yield 8-12 slices. If you plan for guests to sample multiple pies, thinner slices mean more variety for everyone.
  • Leverage the cold outdoors: If you live in a cold climate during November and your refrigerator is overflowing, your covered porch or garage can serve as an excellent make-shift fridge! I often place baked goods outside to cool or chill once covered, freeing up precious indoor refrigerator space. Just ensure they are protected from animals and elements.
  • Pack baked goods carefully for travel: If you’re traveling with your delicious creations on Thanksgiving Day, proper packing is crucial. You definitely don’t want anything sliding around, getting squashed, or spilling in the back of your car. Consider packing items snugly in open boxes, using towels or non-slip mats as buffers between items, or even investing in dedicated food carriers.
  • Allow ample time for recipes: Always give yourself more time than you think you’ll need for each recipe, especially if you’re a beginner baker or trying a recipe for the first time. Rushing leads to mistakes and stress. A little extra buffer time can make all the difference.
  • Stick to familiar recipes for the main event: Thanksgiving might not be the best occasion to attempt an elaborate new recipe or a challenging technique you’re unfamiliar with. Trying something significantly outside your comfort zone can lead to frustration. Instead, lean on old family favorites or recipes you know you can execute successfully. If you’re eager to try something new, do a practice run a week or two before the big day.
  • Remember to breathe and relax: Despite all the planning, sometimes things don’t go exactly according to plan. A pie might crack, rolls might not rise perfectly. In these moments, take a big breath, remember the true spirit of Thanksgiving, and relax. Imperfections often add character and stories to tell!

See also:

  • The Ultimate Thanksgiving Pie Guide
  • My Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

Whatever your plans for the Thanksgiving holiday, I genuinely hope you find the time and inspiration to bake something truly delicious and memorable. By starting your planning now and utilizing these make-ahead strategies, you can significantly reduce your stress and fully immerse yourself in the joy of the holiday. At the end of the meal, when you’re happily undoing the top button of your pants and contemplating a second, perfectly rewarmed piece of pie, you’ll know that every bit of thoughtful preparation was entirely worth it. Happy baking!